New looping inversion coaster at Washington State Fair needs a name

If you love stomach-twisting experiences and are exceptionally creative, the Washington State Fair has a contest for you. A new looping inversion coaster is screaming into Puyallup to make its debut at the Washington State Fair, Sept. 6-22, and it needs a name.

April 18, 2013 6:21 pm
A new looping inversion coaster will debut at the Washington State Fair
A new looping inversion coaster will debut at the Washington State Fair

If you love stomach-twisting experiences and are exceptionally creative, the Washington State Fair has a contest for you.

A new looping inversion coaster is screaming into Puyallup to make its debut at the Washington State Fair, Sept. 6-22, and it needs a name.

A contest kicks off today and runs through midnight May 8. Ideas are accepted by those 13 years or older at the Spring Fair in Puyallup, April 18-21 at the Washington State Fair booth in Sleep Country ShowPlex, by mail, or online at www.thefair.com/spring-fair/contests.

The person who coins the new name will receive two season gate passes to the Washington State Fair, plus two vouchers valid for 20 rides of their choice, a $269 value. They will be notified if they win by June 17.

This is the only ride of its kind in the United States. It will take you more than 60 feet in the air, then it’s time to hold on tight as you speed downhill around wild loops, along wavy tracks and bendy curves. It offers smooth coaster action, in spite of its +5.8 gravity force. As a comparison, formula one racing car drivers feel approximately +5 gravity force during heavy braking.

The contest is open to residents in Washington, Oregon, California, Alaska, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia. Since the Fair is a family event, inappropriate language or content, improper grammar or other matter is deemed ineligible.

For a complete list of rules, visit www.thefair.com/spring-fair/contests.

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Quick snapshot

The coaster came from another venue in the United States, and had the name Typhoon, which doesn’t represent a name appropriate for the Washington State Fair. Here’s a quick snapshot of the ride:

• Introduced in Puyallup: September 2013

• Dimensions: 180.4 feet by 66 feet

• Height: 62.3 feet

• Track length: 1,772 feet

• Maximum speed: 50 mph

• Maximum G-Force: +5.8 G

• Trains: Three

• Cars: Three per train

• Total seats: 36 riders

• Track capacity: Two trains run simultaneously on the track

For more info about the Washington State Fair, visit www.thefair.com, or text “FAIR” to 87767.